Florida Lecture Series

In its 18th year, the Florida Lecture Series is a forum that brings speakers to the FSC campus who explore Florida life and culture. The lecture series covers a wide range of disciplines, including history, public affairs, law, sociology, criminology, anthropology, literature, and art. The overall objective of the series is to bring members of the community, the faculty, and the student body together to interact with and learn from leading scholars in their fields.

All programs are held at 7 p.m. on the Florida Southern College campus in Lakeland and are free and open to the public.

2015-2016 Florida Lecture Series Schedule

September 3, 2015

Ed Ayers
(President Emeritus, University of Richmond)
“From War to Freedom: Reflections on the Civil War”

November 5, 2015

January 14, 2016

Michael Francis
(Hough Family Chair of Florida Studies and Professor of History, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg)
“Before Jamestown: Europeans, Africans, and Indians in La Florida, 1513-1607.”

February 18, 2016

Nathaniel Millett
(Professor of History, Saint Louis University)
“The Maroons of Prospect Bluff and Their Quest for Freedom in the Atlantic World”

March 3, 2016

Among Series speakers have been distinguished leaders, historians, writers, and public officials such a Reubin Askew, Bob Graham, Janet Reno, Douglas Brinkley, H.W. Brands, and Robert V. Remini. | Learn more about our past series and speakers »

Florida Sheriffs: A History 1821-1945
William Warren Rogers
James M. Denham

Oral History Program

Since its founding, the Center for Florida History has conducted, recorded, transcribed, and edited more than 20 full-length interviews.

The topics of these oral histories include Florida politics, law enforcement, legal and judicial affairs, the cattle and citrus industries, Florida Methodism, and World War II. These histories provide valuable information to students, researchers, and the general public about the social, economic, and political history of our region and Florida.

Each interview covers the subject’s life and background as well as information on the subject’s memories and relationships with former Senator and Governor Lawton Chiles.

The tapes and transcripts are currently preserved and housed in the McKay Archives Building, which is adjacent to the Roux Library at Florida Southern College. Transcripts of these recordings are available by appointment or upon request of interested researchers.

Governors & Advisors

Below is a list of individuals with strong interests in Florida history who have agreed to serve on the Board of Governors and the Board of Advisors. These individuals devote their knowledge and their energies to developing the Center into a premier facility for keeping Florida history available for students and the general public.

Board of Advisors

With Appreciation for
Administrative Support to:

Dr. Anne B. Kerr, President

Dr. Robert H. Tate, Vice President for External Relations

Ms. Cassie Paizis

Supporting the Center for Florida History

Individuals, corporations, and foundations provide the funds for an endowment and to pay for the operations and programs. If you are interested in supporting the Center for Florida History and its various initiatives, you can contact the Center or the FSC Advancement Office for a pledge card, or you may easily make a gift online .

You will receive newsletters and announcements concerning the center as well as invitations to lectures and symposia.